The bill amends Section 16-7.2-6 of the General Laws under "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act" to increase state funding for educational programs. Key insertions include provisions for direct state funding to cover excess costs related to special education, career and technical education, and high-quality pre-kindergarten programs. It also establishes a Stabilization Fund for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center to ensure adequate funding for their students and mandates state coverage of transportation costs for students attending out-of-district non-public schools. Importantly, the bill requires that starting with the fiscal year 2026 budget, transportation categorical funds for regional school districts must be fully funded.

Additionally, the bill introduces a regionalization bonus for public school districts that have chosen to regionalize, providing financial incentives based on the state's share of foundation education aid. It also outlines state support for school resource officers, including reimbursement structures for their employment in public middle and high schools. The bill deletes a previous provision (h) and emphasizes that all categorical programs defined in subsections (a) through (g) will be funded according to a transition plan. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5201: 16-7.2-6